What practical steps can we take to trust God's justice over appearances? Foundational Verse “I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree.” — Psalm 37:35 Seeing the Temporary Prosperity of the Wicked • Scripture does not deny that evildoers can look strong and deeply rooted. • The next verse corrects the picture: “But he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found.” (Psalm 37:36). • Recognizing this contrast is the first step. What we see now is only a snapshot, not the final frame. Remembering God’s Track Record of Justice • Noah’s generation mocked until the first raindrop fell (Genesis 6–7). • Pharaoh seemed invincible until the Red Sea closed (Exodus 14). • Haman built gallows for Mordecai, then hung on them himself (Esther 7:10). • Each account reminds us: the Judge of all the earth always does right, though His timetable differs from ours. Anchoring Our Minds in the True Story • Read Psalm 73 when appearances trouble you; Asaph moves from envy to assurance in God’s sanctuary (Psalm 73:16-17). • Meditate on Revelation 20:11-12 to keep the Great White Throne in view. Final justice is certain. • Memorize Proverbs 3:5-7. Trust is strengthened by truth stored inside us. Choosing Daily Practices That Reorient Us • Start each morning with one promise of God’s justice (e.g., Romans 12:19; Galatians 6:7-9). Speak it aloud. • Limit exposure to media that magnifies the seeming success of evil and feeds anxiety. • Keep a journal of “small justices” you witness—moments where God already sets things right. Gratitude fuels trust. • When wronged, release the desire to retaliate by verbally handing the case to God (Psalm 37:5; 1 Peter 2:23). Joining Others Who Walk by Faith • Share testimonies in your fellowship group of times God vindicated righteousness. • Pray with mature believers who will remind you of the bigger picture when your sight is clouded. • Support ministries that embody God’s justice—feeding the hungry, defending the unborn, sheltering the persecuted. Participating in His work deepens confidence in His character. Looking Ahead to Final Justice • “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) The walk is temporary; the destination is eternal. • Hold Hebrews 10:35-36 close: “So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward. You need to persevere…”. • One day the flourishing tree of wickedness will be uprooted forever, and the righteous will “shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43). Until then, we keep trusting the One whose verdicts never fail. |
    |